Schism (the Story Of Sectarianism In The Modern Middle East)

By (author) Mabon Simon
Description:
A sophisticated new account of sectarianism in the Middle East
 
Sectarianism saturates our conversations about the Middle East, its politics and society, and the divide between Sunni and Shi’a captures headlines the world over. But in reality, sectarian difference is far from a uniquely Islamic phenomenon. Throughout the region, religious and communitarian schisms play out in politics, economics and theology, across religions and borders.
 
But how did these divisions come to be? And who is gaining from them?
 
Simon Mabon examines sectarianism in the modern Middle East, moving beyond our simplistic conceptions of ancient religious hatreds and violence. Sectarian identities are as much a product of colonial and post-colonial state building as they are of religious belief, and they operate as a means to include and exclude certain groups. Ranging from Iraq and Iran to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Israel, Mabon explores how divisions are produced, regulated and contested over time—and how they have shaped the lives of people across the region.
Review quote:
“A timely and sophisticated tour of the complex politics of sectarianism across the Middle East. Mabon debunks sensationalist accounts and offers essential perspective on the changing role of identities and religion.”—Marc Lynch, author of America’s Middle East

“A sharp and informed interrogation of the meaning of sectarianism as a frame for understanding the Middle East. Mabon examines the real world politics of multi-ethnic states, and demonstrates that sectarianism should be thought of as a process, not as a consequence of fixed identities. Indispensable reading.”—Juan Cole, author of Muhammad

“A masterful excavation of how politics consumes faith. Mabon walks us to the edge of the Middle East’s faultlines, and shows how elites weaponise identity to survive. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the region’s schisms, and the people trapped within them.”—Ali Hashem, war correspondent

“This book offers a masterful exploration of sectarianism in the modern Middle East, examining its complexities through the region’s history and development. It is essential reading for policymakers, students, and researchers alike.”—Raihan Ismail, author of Rethinking Salafism 


Biographical note:
Simon Mabon is professor of international politics and director of the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-Sectarianisation project at Lancaster University. He is the author of books including The Struggle for Supremacy in the Middle East and Houses Built on Sand: Violence, Sectarianism and Revolution in the Middle East.